Glazing clips for ancillary elements on glazing units

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a glazing clip ( 2 ) for fitting about the edge of a glazing unit ( 60 ), the glazing clip ( 2 ) comprising means ( 6, 8 ) for interengaging with an ancillary element ( 40 ) on at least one side of a glazing unit, in use.

This application is a national stage application, according to ChapterII of the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to glazing clips, glazing assemblies, kitsfor the construction of ancillary elements on a glazing unit and tomethods of construction of glazing assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A typical glazing assembly comprises a sealed double glazed unit aboutthe edge of which is provided a four-sided frame. The sealed glazingunit comprises a first glazing panel, typically of glass, in a spaced,parallel, face to face relationship with a similar second glazing panel.At the peripheral edge of the glazing panels and about their edges, abeading is provided, typically a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) material tomaintain the spaced apart relationship and to prevent the ingress ofwater between the panels. The frame is typically a PVC moulding with PVCnitrile gaskets for receiving the glazing unit. A first side of aglazing unit is intended to be an interior panel and a second side asexterior panel, in use.

Some customers desire an effect on their windows such as the appearanceof a Georgian bar thereon. A Georgian bar is a cross or trellis effecton the glazing assembly giving the appearance that the glazing is madeup of multiple smaller glazing panels in a plane.

For reasons of manufacturing complexity, it is undesireable tomanufacture genuine Georgian windows, but the appearance is oftensought.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention toobviate or overcome a problem associated with the prior art, whetherreferred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provideda glazing clip for fitting about the edge of a glazing unit, the glazingclip comprising means for interengaging with an ancillary element on atleast one side of a glazing unit, in use.

Suitably, the glazing clip comprises means for interengaging with anancillary element on both sides of a glazing unit.

Suitably, the glazing clip comprises a generally U-shaped body. The baseof the U-shape extends across the edge of the glazing unit, in use, witheach arm extending over the respective external face of the glazingpanel on opposite sides thereof. Suitably, arms of the glazing clip areinclined from the perpendicular relative to the base, whereby in use theglazing clip is biased to the glazing unit.

Suitably, the interengaging means comprises an upstanding portion. Thisis for interengaging with a corresponding portion on an ancillaryelement. Suitably, the upstanding portion comprises a plurality ofrebated portions.

Suitably, the upstanding portion comprises a mushroom formation.

Suitably, the glazing clip consists of a thermoplastic material.

According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provideda kit for the construction of an ancillary element on a glazing unit,the kit comprising a plurality of glazing clips according to the firstaspect of the present invention.

Suitably, the kit further comprises a cross-piece for interengaging witha first ancillary element in a first direction and with a secondancillary element in a second direction. This is used where theancillary elements are made to appear to cross on the final glazingassembly. Suitably, the cross-piece comprises a first interengagingmember for interengaging with a first ancillary element and a secondinterengaging member for interengaging with a second ancillary element.Suitably, the cross-piece further comprises a third interengaging memberfor interengaging with a third ancillary element. Suitably, thecross-piece is configured whereby a first ancillary element will besubstantially perpendicular to a second and a third ancillary element.Suitably, the first interengaging member is substantially similar incross-section to the second interengaging member. Suitably, the firstinterengaging member is substantially similar in cross-section to thethird interengaging member. Suitably, the first interengaging member issubstantially perpendicular to the second interengaging member.

Suitably, the first interengaging member is substantially perpendicularto the third interengaging member.

Suitably, the glazing clips in the kit are substantially similar.

Suitably, the kit additionally comprises at least one ancillary elementfor interengaging with the glazing clips. Suitably, the ancillaryelement is for a Georgian effect glazing assembly. Suitably, theancillary element is of substantially constant cross-section. Suitably,the ancillary element comprises a female interengaging member forinterengaging with a male interengaging member of a glazing clip.Alternatively, the ancillary element comprises a male interengagingmember for interengaging with a female interengaging member of a glazingclip.

Suitably, the ancillary element comprises a lower face to be against aglazing panel in use, and the glazing clip is configured to interengagewith the ancillary element in the lower face. Suitably, the lower facehas a longitudinal slot therein for receiving the glazing clip.Suitably, the ancillary element and glazing clip interengage by asnap-fit connection.

According to the present invention in a third aspect, there is provideda glazing assembly comprising a glazing unit about the edge of which isat least one glazing clip according to the first aspect of the presentinvention and at least one ancillary element engaged with the glazingclip.

Suitably, the ancillary element is engaged with a first glazing clip anda second glazing clip after each has been placed about the glazing unit.

Suitably, the glazing assembly comprises a frame about the glazing unit.

The glazing assembly may be modified using a kit according to the secondaspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention in a fourth aspect, there is provideda method of construction of a glazing assembly, the method comprisingthe steps of providing a glazing clip according to the first aspect ofthe invention to the edge of a glazing unit and engaging an ancillaryelement therewith.

Suitably, a plurality of glazing clips are provided to support theancillary element.

Suitably, a plurality of ancillary elements are provided. Suitably, theancillary elements are configured to meet and a cross-piece is providedto engage with ancillary elements in the region of the meeting of theancillary elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, withreference to the drawings that follow; in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a glazing clip according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the glazing clip shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the glazing clip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a cross-piece for use with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cross-piece shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a kit according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation of an ancillary element for usewith the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth stage in a method ofconstruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a glazing clip and corresponding ancillaryelement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a glazing clip and corresponding ancillaryelement according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional elevations of an alternative clipand ancillary element configurations.

FIGS. 18-20 are cross-sectional elevations of alternative ancillaryelements.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are side and front elevations respectively of modifiedglazing clips according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings that follow, there is shown aglazing clip 2 having a generally U-shaped body 4 from which extendmeans for interengaging with an ancillary element. The means forinterengaging with an ancillary element comprise a first interengagingmember 6 and a second interengaging member 8.

The generally U-shaped body 4 comprises a base 10 from which extend twosubstantially similar arms 12, 14 towards the distal end of which thefirst and second interengaging members 6, 8 lie.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the arms 12, 14 of theU-shaped body 4 are inclined slightly from perpendicular with the base10. That is the gap between the distal end of the arms 12, 14 is lessthan the distance between the other end of the arms 12, 14 at the baseend.

Each interengaging member 6, 8 comprises an upstanding portion extendingfrom the corresponding arm 12, 14, which upstanding portion comprises amale member (for interengagement with a female member as describedbelow), which has a plurality of rebated portions therefore. The firstand second interengaging members extend for just over half the length ofthe arms 12, 14 from the distal end thereof.

The glazing clip is formed from a rigid thermoplastic material byinjection moulding.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings that follow, there is shown across-piece 20. The cross-piece 20 comprises a planar base 22 upstandingfrom which is a first interengaging member 24, a second interengagingmember 26 and a third interengaging member 28. The base 22 is generallyan elongate rectangle across the width of which extends firstinterengaging member 24. Generally perpendicular to the firstinterengaging member 24 and running parallel to the length of base 22are second and third interengaging members 26, 28. Corresponding gaps30, 32 are provided between first and second and first and thirdinterengaging members. Interengaging members 24, 26, 28 aresubstantially similar to the interengaging members 6, 8 of glazing clip2.

Referring to FIG. 6 of the drawings that follow, there is shown a kit ofparts according to the present invention, the kit comprising foursubstantially similar glazing clips 2, two cross pieces 20 and two lotsof three ancillary elements 40, 42, 44 cut to length. It is noted thatan ancillary element may be provided as a single piece and cut tosuitable lengths on site.

A known ancillary element 40 is shown in FIG. 7 for producing a Georgianbar effect. Each ancillary element is of a substantially similarcross-section. The ancillary element 40 comprises a generally n-shapedGeorgian bar cover 46 with co-extruded gaskets 48, 50 extending from thedepending arms thereof. In the interior (in use) of the ancillaryelement 40 there is a female part of an interengaging member 52 suitablefor interengaging with any of the interengaging members of the glazingclip 2 or cross-piece 20. The ancillary element 40 has a lower face 53intended, in use, to lie against or over a glazing panel, as describedbelow. The width of body 4 of glazing clip 2 is no more than the widthof the ancillary element so the latter substantially hides the former inuse.

A method of usage of the preferred embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described with reference to FIGS. 8-13 of the drawings thatfollow.

Referring to FIG. 8 of the drawings that follow, a glazing unit 60 is adouble glazing unit of known type with interior (ie between the twoglazing panels) cross members, an internal Georgian bar 62. The interiorcross members are a known optional but desirable feature to enhance thefinal appearance of the product.

In the first step of construction of a glazing assembly according to thepresent invention, glazing clips 2 are fitted to each edge of theglazing unit 60 to suit the position of the internal Georgian bar 62.The slight incline of the arms 12, 14 of the glazing clips 2 means thatonce the four clips 2 have been slid over the edge of glazing unit 60they hold themselves in place.

Accordingly a glazing clip 2 is provided over each edge of the glazingunit 60 with an interengaging means on each side of the glazing unit 60.That is, first interengaging member 6 is on one side of the glazing unitand second interengaging member 8 is on the other side of the glazingunit.

If there is no internal Georgian bar 62 then the glazing clips 2 arefitted around the sealed glazing unit 60 to suit the position of thespacer bar.

Referring to FIG. 9 of the drawings that follow, in the next step theglazing unit 60 is installed into a known frame 64 in the normal manner.It is recommended that it is checked that the clips 2 are in the rightposition before final beading of the assembly is carried out.

It is noted that the frame 64 incorporates gasket elements (not shown)for receiving the glazing unit 60 therein, which gaskets providesufficient leeway for the relatively thin (typically, the wall size is 1mm) glazing clips 2 to extend across the edge of the glazing unit 60without interfering with the fitting of the glazing unit 60 in the frame64.

Referring to FIG. 10 of the drawings that follow, in a next step theshortest full span ancillary element 40, which will be one of the finalexternal Georgian bar elements, is cut (if required) and mitred (ifrequired) to the length required for fitting into the frame 64.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 of the drawings that follow, thecross-piece 20 is fitted with first interengaging member in the femaleinterengaging member 52 thereof. The cross-piece 20 is located centrallyon the ancillary element 40. The ancillary element 40 is then pushfitted as a snap-fit on to the exposed interengaging members 6 of theglazing clips 2.

In the next step as shown with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 of thedrawings that follow, the remaining ancillary elements 42 and 44 are, ifnecessary, cut to length and mitred. Ancillary elements 42, 44 are thenpush fitted on to interengaging members 6 (of glazing clips 2) and thesecond and third interengaging members 26, 28 of the cross-piece.

The lower face 53, therefore lies against the glazing panel 60. Theinterengaging member 6 thus interengages with the ancillary element 42in the lower face 53 thereof by a snap fit connection. Thus alongitudinal slot 55 is provided to receive interengaging means 6.

Thus, one side of the glazing unit has the appearance of a Georgian barwith a single cross.

The procedure is then repeated on the reverse side of the glazing unit60 for the ancillary elements therefor.

For multiple cruciform configurations the process is repeated at everyjunction. It is recommended that the shortest full span for a continualancillary element bar is used to maximise the rigidity of the system. Ifrequired a small double sided tape patch (not shown) may be applied ateach cross piece between the cross piece and the glazing panel, oralternatively a thin bead of translucent silicone (not shown) may beused. This helps secure the cross piece in the long term and reduces therisk of rattling.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings that follow, there is shown aglazing clip 70 for use with a known aluminium ancillary element 72, thelatter comprising an aluminium body 74 from which extend co-extrudedgaskets 76. The interengaging member is a serrated male part 79. In thisFIG. 14 and FIG. 15 that follows, only one arm of the respective glazingclip is shown as the variation thereof is to the respectiveinterengaging members. On each glazing clip each interengaging member issimilar. Correspondingly similar interengaging members are used on therespective cross-pieces (not shown) which are modified accordingly. Theglazing clip 70 is modified to have a female interengaging member 80with a slot 82 into which the male part 78 fits, the serrations engagingwith the plastic of the female part 80.

Referring to FIG. 15 of the drawings that follow, there is shown part ofanother glazing clip 84 for use with a known wooden ancillary element86. In this case the clip 84 has an upstanding “fir tree” 88 forinterengaging in a female slot 90 in ancillary element 86.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings that follow, there is shownpart of another glazing clip 92 in cross section, showing a limb thereoftogether with a corresponding ancillary element 94. Glazing clip 92includes an elongate mushroom head formation 90 as an interengagingmeans for push and snap fitting into a slot 98 as shown in FIG. 17.Ancillary element 94 comprises a generally triangular in cross-section,open bottomed shape with depending co-extruded gasket 100.

This formation of interengaging means provides for a lower, in terms ofthe amount of protrusion from the surface of the glazing panel, in use,Georgian bar effect.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 of the drawings that follow illustrate alternative“low” ancillary elements 102, 104 and 106 respectively, with modifiedprofiles.

FIGS. 21 and 22 of the drawings that follow show in end and frontelevations a glazing clip for use when an ancillary element is desiredon one side of a glazing panel only. In this embodiment, one limb 110 istruncated and an interengaging means 112 is provided on one side only.

It is noted that the slot in the at least partly open lower face of theancillary element may be across the full (FIG. 7) or partial (FIGS.16-20) width of the lower face.

Thus, by using embodiments of the present invention a single glazingclip can provide interengaging members on one or both sides of a glazingunit. The interengaging members are inherently aligned and do notinterfere with the frame because of the thin body of the clip. Apleasing Georgian effect window assembly can, therefore, be provided.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is suitable forglazing units having any number of glazing panels from one upwards,requiring only an adjustment of the length of the base. It will also beappreciated that the order of the method of construction described abovecan be altered somewhat if desired.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connectionwith this application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A false muntin glazing assembly for being fitted onto a glazing unithaving two spaced-apart faces separated by a frame to provide theappearance of a glazing assembly having divided lights, comprising: (a)a U-shaped muntin clip for being positioned onto the glazing unit, andhaving a base engaging the frame and two arms spaced-apart for extendingfrom the frame onto the faces of the glazing unit; (b) the arms havingat least one longitudinally-extending locking tab for projectingoutwardly away from respective ones of the two faces of the glazingunit, the locking tabs having a guide recess of reduced width along itslength, the width of the guide recess being less than the width of thearms to define opposing guide surfaces on the arms along the lengththereof on opposite sides of the locking tabs; and (c) a decorativemuntin piece for being positioned on the muntin clip to engage andextend along a length of one of the faces of the glazing unit, andcomprising an elongate member having a channel extending along itslength for being aligned with one of the arms of the muntin clip anddriven along the length of the muntin clip on the locking tab, thechannel having a width complementary to the width of the locking tab forbeing locked onto the locking tab, the muntin piece having elongate edgesurfaces extending along its length on opposite sides of the channel forsliding along the opposing guide surfaces on the arms into a useposition in engagement with the face of the glazing unit.
 2. A falsemuntin glazing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the muntin pieceincludes sealing strips extending along respective ones of the edgesurfaces distal from the channel and having a thickness substantiallythe same as a thickness dimension of a respective one of the arms of themuntin clip for permitting the muntin piece to sealingly engage the facealong which it extends.
 3. A false muntin glazing assembly according toclaim 1, including a plurality of muntin clips and first muntin pieces,wherein the first muntin pieces have a length adapted to extend across afirst dimension of the glazing unit from one side edge to an opposingside edge, and further including a plurality of second muntin pieceshave a length adapted to extend across a second dimension of the glazingunit perpendicular to the first dimension and perpendicularly engage aside of one of the first muntin pieces extending along the firstdimension of the glazing unit.
 4. A false muntin glazing assemblyaccording to claim 3, and including a planar muntin clip for securing asecond muntin piece to the face proximate the first muntin piece.
 5. Afalse muntin glazing assembly according to claim 3, and including aplanar muntin clip for securing two of the second muntin pieces to theface proximate opposing sides of the first muntin piece, and comprisinga base for being positioned under the first muntin piece and against theface of the glazing strip, and having two spaced-apartlongitudinally-extending locking tabs for projecting outwardly away fromthe face of the glazing unit on opposite sides of the first muntinstrip, the locking tabs having a guide recess of reduced width along itslength, the width of the guide recess being less than the width of thearms to define opposing guide surfaces on the arms along the lengththereof on opposite sides of the locking tabs for receiving the muntinpiece thereon.
 6. A false muntin glazing assembly according to claim 1,and including an enlarged head portion on the locking tab.
 7. A falsemuntin glazing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the enlarged headincludes a plurality of serrated teeth formed thereon and extendingoutwardly therefrom.
 8. A false muntin glazing assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the muntin clip and decorative muntin piece are eachfabricated of a plastic material.